Month: February 2012

Dear Readers: I have been researching pronunciations and definitions of words lately. My husband and I while away our lunch hours together reading Karen MacNeil’s Wine Bible. We have completed France and are meandering through Italy, learning about unknowns such as ailoi, Ghemme, and Cremant. Is it any wonder we need to consult a dictionary? Last week’s bulletin from our church … More What’s in a Word?

Dear Readers: I sent my manuscript out to my beta readers via snail mail on January 6th, 2012. I now realize I have spent five years working on one story. When I read about authors who churn out two, maybe three, novels per year or who have written books numbering in the hundreds, I wonder how do … More Stepping Off a Cliff

Dear Readers: Let me tell you about my critique experience. If you want to see your writing through your future readers’ eyes, join a critique group. This bunch brought unique perspectives of my writing to each meeting. One attendee’s strength was pointing out my addiction to telling rather than showing. A second member policed my insatiable desire to repeat the same thing multiple … More Focus on Food

Dear Readers: I have been reading other blogs getting the feel of this writing life. I am surprised no one talks about being in a critique group. I recall going to my first writing seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona and listening to a number of speakers extoll the virtues and values of joining a peer reading … More Groupies